Donald Dunkerson, children's book author and illustrator [Pictures]

Donald Dunkerson Artist

By Atalie Day Brown, Correspondent

Donald Dunkerson, of Pasadena, holds a Fortran that he created of President John F. Kennedy in 1976. Inside the frame is a handwritten note that he received from the president, along with a 50 cent piece.

Donald Dunkerson, of Pasadena, holds a Fortran that he created of President John F. Kennedy in 1976. Inside the frame is a handwritten note that he received from the president, along with a 50 cent piece. (By Atalie Day Brown, Correspondent)

As a retired pilot living in Pasadena, Donald Dunkerson recently self-published two children's books, which combine his dedication to flying with his passion for art. "Willie the Whirly Bird" and "The Little Plane That Was Afraid to Fly" are both written and illustrated by Dunkerson. Each of the story's main characters face obstacles that they learn to overcome.